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All of Buffalo Rumblings' 2015 NFL Draft coverage can be found in our NFL Draft section. These scouting reports are part of our 2015 NFL Draft big board, which is also available under the "Library" header on our site's navigation bar.
Mike Davis
- Position: Running back (RB)
- Class: Junior
- College: South Carolina
- Ht/Wt: 5'9", 217 pounds
Scouting Report
Mike Davis is a runner with some impressive downfield athleticism, but unrefined technical parts of his game. As a short guy with huge legs, he'll get compared to Maurice Jones-Drew a lot, but at times I'm reminded more of Dennis Johnson, the former Arkansas running back. I was a big fan of Johnson's pre-draft, but other than a few small opportunities with the Texans, he never really caught on in the NFL, and he's one of my misses.
Davis accelerates to a fast speed in a hurry. He is not a patient runner, and while he will sometimes dance trying to find a gap, when he has room in front of him he comfortably attacks downfield to build up speed. He almost always carries the ball in his left hand, something a smart defender will notice and exploit in the NFL. Davis has some experience running pass routes, and even split wide for a few plays last season. He can push through defenders, and uses a low running stance to bull forward for a few extra yards. While he's always falling forward for extra yardage, he doesn't quite have the balance to maintain his footing and keep going. He's experienced in pass blocking, but needs to improve his technique.
Grade
When I evaluated Davis, I saw a player who needs to develop some maturity in his game, but showed the traits to be an every-down back. He's not quite as good at cutting as some of his peers, but he understands downhill running and can contribute on passing downs. If he can learn to press the hole, set up his blocks, and use his natural explosion, he'd remind me a lot of Frank Gore. Right now, he'll be running into closed gaps too often. I have him ranked between T.J. Yeldon and David Cobb on my board, as a fourth-round prospect.